We knew that there was big money in the art world, but Kerry James Marshall makes it explicit with his installation of coins, constructed in brass. Though the value of the coins adds up to $.99, the piece’s title reveals that fabrication costs were approximately $136,000. And the selling price? The gallery “…would prefer to not have that published,” a position that reinforces Marshall’s point that culture and money are entwined, sometimes secretly. (At Chelsea’s Jack Shainman Gallery through Oct 12th).
Kerry James Marshall, 99 cent piece (One hundred thirty six thousand dollars in change), cast resin with brass overlay, 2012.